Councillors frustrated by long wait for traffic calming measures in popular Northumberland village

Traffic calming measures are being drawn up by Northumberland County Council to curb speeding on the approach to the village from Seahouses.

A speed survey carried out in summer 2019 clocked drivers travelling well over the 30mph speed limit at Armstrong Cottages, Links Road Plantation and Radcliffe Road.

Draft plans have been seen by Bamburgh Parish Council.

But Cllr Andrew Bardgett said: “A survey showed that three out of four points had a significant speeding problem and all we get is a two year old rehash of the first scheme we had with the coloured markings on the road.

"I really think that’s quite insulting and I’m quite upset about it. I think we are being completely ignored here.”

Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, local county councillor, responded: “I agree that what’s on that drawing isn’t appropriate and we want more than that but we should wait and see what the actual proposal is. The final drawing may be different.”

He was aware the issue has also been discussed by county highways department and Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership.

Parish council chairman Barbara Brook said: “I still don’t understand - even when we’re at this draft planning stage - why a Bamburgh councillor can’t be there in the thick of it. We’ve waited so long now and it is pretty frustrating just to get this. I just feel we are going backwards instead of forwards.”

In October, the council was told that there were proposals for road narrowing at Armstrong Cottages.

Cllr Renner-Thompson said: “There are so many things that could be put forward. They would rather narrow it down to a range that would be acceptable, both price wise and to the AONB, before coming to the parish council.”

It was agreed to ask council officers for an update.

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